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Youth Violence Tied to Genes in Latest DNA Research
by
Josh Katz
A study from a team at the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill suggests that genetics plays an important role in violence and delinquency in young men.
30-Second Summary
The study, which appears in the August issue of the American Sociological Review, claims that variations in three genes are associated with males who grow up to become more violent than others.
But the research indicates that other factors, such as family, friends and school, also have an impact and help account for the differences among those with genetic dispositions toward delinquency.
The team studied information from 1,100 boys in grades 7–12. Variations in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, the dopamine transporter 1 (DAT1) gene and the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene were linked to delinquency, but “Positive influences appeared to reduce the effect of the genes, while an absence of positive influences amplified the effects,” according to Canwest News Service.
For example, having regular meals with parents served to moderate the effects of the “risky” DRD2 gene, whereas not having those meals amplified the aggression.
In regard to the implications of the research, the “The ethical issue must be considered, as well,” said leader of the study Gang Guo. “Will it stigmatize the children?”
Another recent study said genetics played a large part in the extent of an individual’s political involvement.
The desire to learn about human genetic predispositions is gaining popularity, and not only in the scientific community. A number of companies are sprouting up seeking to map a person’s genetic code for a fee. However, California recently interceded by requiring customers to consult a doctor before acquiring such potentially weighty information about their genetic makeup.
But the research indicates that other factors, such as family, friends and school, also have an impact and help account for the differences among those with genetic dispositions toward delinquency.
The team studied information from 1,100 boys in grades 7–12. Variations in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, the dopamine transporter 1 (DAT1) gene and the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene were linked to delinquency, but “Positive influences appeared to reduce the effect of the genes, while an absence of positive influences amplified the effects,” according to Canwest News Service.
For example, having regular meals with parents served to moderate the effects of the “risky” DRD2 gene, whereas not having those meals amplified the aggression.
In regard to the implications of the research, the “The ethical issue must be considered, as well,” said leader of the study Gang Guo. “Will it stigmatize the children?”
Another recent study said genetics played a large part in the extent of an individual’s political involvement.
The desire to learn about human genetic predispositions is gaining popularity, and not only in the scientific community. A number of companies are sprouting up seeking to map a person’s genetic code for a fee. However, California recently interceded by requiring customers to consult a doctor before acquiring such potentially weighty information about their genetic makeup.
Headline Link: ‘Home, school setting can moderate teen “risky” genes’
The “groundbreaking study” from sociologists at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, “is one of the first to link genetic variations with teen delinquency,” according to Canwest News Service.
Source: Canwest News Service
Related Topics: Delinquency research; genetic testing companies; genes linked to behavior
Research on youth delinquency
A recent study questions the theory that violent video games fuel violent behavior. “Violent crime, particularly among the young, has decreased dramatically since the early 1990s, while video games have steadily increased in popularity and use,” Patrick Kierkegaard, a doctoral student at the University of Essex in Britain, says.
Source: The Globe and Mail (Canada)
Science Daily describes the study linking genetics to delinquency and provides a list of recent related studies that also attempted to account for juvenile delinquency, including one that linked such behavior to sexual activity and another that examined the role of extracurricular activities.
Source: Science Daily
‘California Takes Action Against Genetic Testing Companies’
June 23 marked the deadline for California companies to halt direct-to-consumer sales of genetic tests. The companies, which map a person’s DNA to reveal genetic predispositions to conditions like hair loss and deadly diseases, were required to request a doctor consultation from the patient first.
Source: findingDulcinea
Genetics linked to voting
On June 27, 2008, Science Daily reports “The results suggest that individual genetic differences make up a large and significant portion of the variation in political participation, even after taking socialization and other environmental factors into account. They also suggest that, contrary to decades of conventional wisdom, family upbringing may have little or no effect on children’s future participatory behavior.”
Source: Science Daily
Female infidelity: it’s in the genes
According to an article published in 2004, scientists have found that female infidelity can often be traced to a woman’s genes. Researchers at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London found that “around 40% of the influence on the number of sexual partners and infidelity [was] due to genetic factors,” Reuters reported.
Source: Australian Broadcasting Company (Reuters)
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